Settled in 1783, Atlantic City has a year-round population of 41,000. It is 60 miles from Philadelphia, 125 from NYC and 175 from Washington, DC. The world’s first boardwalk and salt water taffy are still there. It is also the originator of the rolling chairs as well as the Monopoly board’s street names (Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic, etc). It's prohibition-past was recently made infamous by the award-winning HBO series "Boardwak Empire". The historic Boardwalk Hall, the former home of The Miss America Pageant, has been renovated into a 13,000 seat arena for boxing, the circus, concerts etc. The Atlantic 10 basketball tournament was once held there.

Atlantic City casinos and boardwalk

There are 8 casinos in Atlantic City. Three are located in the Marina area: The Borgata adjacent to Atlantic City’s first boutique hotel, The Water Club. Harrah's, the tallest building in Atlantic City, boasting a “tropical paradise pool area” with 6 Jacuzzis and 12 private cabanas beneath a 90 foot glass dome, all in view of the hotel lobby. Golden Nugget is also located by the Marina. Located on the Boardwalk, the downtown hotel/casinos are: Bally’s, Resorts, Caesars (and its Pier Shops) and the largest casino hotel, the Tropicana with over 2,200 rooms.

Until recently, Atlantic City was the only place that allowed gambling in the entire Northeast. But despite several new casino destinations within driving distance, there were still over 27 million visitors to Atlantic City in 2013. This article is written for those who do not spend all their time gambling.

Harrah's Resort Atlantic City

Best Rum Bar:Cuba Libre in The Quarter at the Tropicana Resort has 100 rums, and Thursday night “Late Night Latin Happy Hour” from 11PM-1AM. There is dancing, singing, conga lines and a Latin floor show. Upstairs at Cuba Libre is the open-air Missile Bar with a real (fake) Russian missile & the declassified history of the 13 Days in October (really 14 days) dealing with the Russian/Cuba/USA missile crisis. There's an interesting story of how the missle was moved from Florida to Atlantic City (right after 9/11).

Best Cigar/Wine Selection:A Time For Wine is next door to both restaurants in The Quarter at the Tropicana. Great cigar selection & 100 value wines under $25.

The Quarter is reminiscent of the original Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Havana, Cuba during the mid and late 1950’s.

Across from Caesars, The Pier Shops is a four story shopping (80) and dining (7) paradise, which opened in 2006:Buddakan features modern Asian cuisine beautifully served in magnificent surroundings.

The boardwalk at night

Best Non-Casino Restaurants:

Ram’s Head Inn in Gallaway with five acres of gardens located 8 miles from Atlantic City. It is the same ownership as The Manor in West Orange. Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator with 970 wines, 100 Half bottles and 30 wines by the glass. Friday from 3-6PM is Happy Hour with over 30 wines sold at $1 per ounce. (609) 652-1700

Knife & Fork Inn has a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and is located in the Boardwalk area with a 10,000 bottle wine cellar and 20 wines by the glass. It is ninety-three years old and was purchased by Frank Dougherty in 2005. (609) 344-1133 The Dougherty family opened Atlantic City's oldest restaurant in 1897, Dock's Oyster House, within walking distance from the Boardwalk, for seafood and steaks. Also a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list with 425 wines. (609) 345-0092Chef Vola's serves homestyle Italian food done the Jersey way, and never disappoints. Call well in advance for reservations and remember to BYO. (609) 345-2022